"Originally published under the title, The manuals of Buddhism, in 1965 by the Union Buddha Saasana Council, Yangon, Myanmar"--Title page verso.

Manual of Zen Buddhism's main object is to inform the readers to various literary materials relating to the monastery life. It also tells us about those edicts which the Zen monks read before the Buddha in daily service in the different quarters of institution.

Although a great many books on Buddhism have been published in recent years, very few focus on the essential teachings and core beliefs of Western Buddhism today, even as it is taking shape in its new context before our eyes. This guidebook provides concise explanations of such basic concepts as the Five Precepts, the Four Noble Truths, the Five Aggregates, the Hindrances, and Dependent Origination along with notes and suggestions for their application. Buddhism is a vast and complex religious tradition that has evolved over the past 2500 years from a dozen or so core (radical) teachings of a man living in northern India called the Buddha. This book explores the common threads and contours that inform today's Buddhism; it is a guidebook for a better life and better world.

The Venerable Mahathera Ledi Sayadaw wrote this manual in reply to a layperson requesting guidance in developing insight, clarification of doctrinal aspects, and how to advance from being a blind worldling to a wise and virtuous person, i.e. one who has the eye of knowledge. In clear, concise, vivid language the author explains the perfections, seven aspects of the five aggregates to be perceived, the true peace of Nibbana, how to be mindful while doing a meritorious deed, practicing the three refuges, the four types of Buddhists, and understanding the Four Noble Truths and Dependent Origination. Finally, an exhortation regarding great opportunities: human rebirth, meeting the Buddha, becoming a bhikkhu, having confidence, and hearing the Dhamma.

From its earliest days, Buddhism has been closely intertwined with medicine. Buddhism and Medicine is a singular collection showcasing the generative relationship and mutual influence between these fields across premodern Asia. The anthology combines dozens of English-language translations of premodern Buddhist texts with contextualizing introductions by leading international scholars in Buddhist studies, the history of medicine, and a range of other fields. These sources explore in detail medical topics ranging from the development of fetal anatomy in the womb to nursing, hospice, dietary regimen, magical powers, visualization, and other healing knowledge. Works translated here include meditation guides, popular narratives, ritual manuals, spells texts, monastic disciplinary codes, recipe inscriptions, philosophical treatises, poetry, works by physicians, and other genres. All together, these selections and their introductions provide a comprehensive overview of Buddhist healing throughout Asia. They also demonstrate the central place of healing in Buddhist practice and in the daily life of the premodern world. This anthology is a companion volume to Buddhism and Medicine: An Anthology of Modern and Contemporary Sources (Columbia, 2019).